Bush Clover

Bush Clover (Lespedeza thunbergii) Bush Clover is a fabulous fall blooming shrub that deserves more attention. The bright rosy-pink flowers open towards the end of August and continue into October. The flowers cascade from long weeping stems. I planted mine next to a retaining wall where it could sweep over the edge. ‘Gilbralter’ and ‘Pink Fountains’ both get 4’ – 5’. There is a tiny version, ‘Yakushima’, that only grows to about 12” – 18”. In colder climates, Bush Clover dies back to the ground, similar to Butterfly Bush. Prune it back hard in the spring. It sets its flower buds on new growth. Bush Clover enjoys full sun and is hardy to Zone 4.